operation procedures for non regulated

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Operating Procedures for

Non-Regulated Recreational

Water Facilities GuidanceDocument

This document is in support of the Safe

Water Program, Recreational Water

Protocol under the Ontario Public Health

Standards

Environmental Health Section

Public Health Protection and Prevention Branch

Public Health DivisionMinistry of Health and Long-Term Care

April 2010


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Operating Procedures for Non-Regulated Recreational Water Facilities Guidance Document

ii

Table of Contents

Preamble . 1

1. PURPOSE.... 1

2. RISK TO THE PUBLIC ...... 2

3. GENERAL GUIDANCE... 3

3.1 Structural Design 3

3.2 Water Quality... 3

3.3 Safety and Emergency Equipment.. 4

3.4 Supervision.. 4

4. A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION OF A WADING POOL .................................................. 5

5. A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION OF A SPRAY PAD /SPLASH PAD......12

APPENDIX A FIRST AID KITS... 17

APPENDIX B REFERENCES/RESOURCES. 18

This guidance document is intended to support boards of health in inspecting non-regulated recreationalwater facilities. This document is not intended to provide legal advice or to be a substitute for theprofessional judgment of medical officers of health or local board of health staff. Board of health staff

should consult with legal counsel as appropriate.

ISBN:978-1-4435-2890-0

QueensPrinterforOntario,2010


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Preamble

The Operating Procedures for Non-Regulated Recreational Water Facilities Guidance Document isdesigned to assist local boards of health with promoting the safe operation and use of non-regulated recreational water facilities through their inspection activities. Non-regulated recreationalwater facilities covered under this guidance document include public wading pools, spraypads/splash pads, and water slide receiving basins*. The document provides recommendations onminimum standards to protect public health at these facilities.

The guidance document is organized in three sections:

Sections 1 and 2 of the document describe the purpose and context for inspecting non-regulated recreational facilities;

Section 3 provides general inspection guidance related to the construction andoperation of non-regulated recreational water facilities to consider when performinginspections;

Sections 4 and 5 provide specific guidance to consider when inspecting wading pools orspray/ splash pads; and

Additional information and related resources are included in the appendices (e.g.,recommended contents for a first aid kit).

In the development of this guidance document, the Public Pools Regulation (R.R.O. 1990, Reg.

565)1

and Public Spas Regulation (O. Reg. 428/05)2 were reviewed with the intent of aligningrecommendations with existing standards. As a result, recommendations for inspecting non-regulated recreational water facilities align with the Public Spas Regulation, wherever possible,based on the smaller water volume and other similar characteristics in the water facilities coveredherein.

1 Purpose

This document is referenced in the Recreational Water Protocol3 (referred to herein as theProtocol), under the Safe Water Program of the Ontario Public Health Standards

4. The purpose of

this document is to provide guidance to local boards of health and assist public health inspectors in

*Water Slides and their Receiving Basins

A water slide and/or its receiving basin may fall under the oversight of provincial regulations.

Water slides that have a height of more than 2 metres, a slope of 6 degrees or greater, or allow for a passenger speed of greaterthan 2 metres per second would fall under Ontario Regulation 221/01 (Amusement Devices) under the Technical Standards andSafety Act, 2000. Water slide owners/operators should be directed to contact the Technical Standards and Safety Authority

(www.tssa.org) about any requirements under this regulation.

A water slide receiving basin that also serves as a swimming pool and is greater than 0.75 metres in depth would fall under OntarioRegulation 565 (Public Pools). Oversight of the slide would remain under O. Reg. 221/01and TSSA.

Water slides that are 2 metres or less in height and gradual sloped water slides (less than 6 degrees), and receiving basins that are0.75 metres or less may be unregulated.

Local boards of health should consider applying the recommendations, within this document, for the operation of a wading pool towaterslides that are not regulated.


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conducting risk assessments and inspections related to non-regulated recreational water facilitiesas required by the Protocol.

Specifically, under section 1 c) of the Protocol, boards of health are required to:

i) Inspect public wading pools and splash pads/spray pads at least two times per year andno less than once every three months while operating. In conducting these inspections,the board of health shall refer to the most current version of the Operating Proceduresfor Non-Regulated Recreational Water Facilities Guidance Document, for information;

ii) Inspect other non-regulated recreational water facilities (e.g., water slide receivingbasins) at least two times per year and no less than once every three months whileoperating to monitor the safety of these facilities; and

iii) Conduct additional inspections of non-regulated recreational water facilities asnecessary to follow up on observations from previous inspection(s); to investigatecomplaints and/or reports of illness or injury; and/or to monitor the safety of the facilities.

It is recognized that there are currently no specific regulatory requirements under the HealthProtection and Promotion Act

5(HPPA) pertaining to the operation of non-regulated recreational

water facilities. This guidance document has been prepared to assist in the prevention andreduction of water-borne illness and injury related to these facilities. It outlines factors for publichealth inspectors to consider in carrying out their inspection and risk assessment functions andprovides general guidance concerning the operation, safety, and maintenance of recreational waterfacilities.

While educational approaches are generally employed to achieve and maintain compliance withrecommendations, public health inspectors may act, by way of section 13 of the HPPA, to address

significant issues deemed to be health hazards.6

2 Risk to the Public

Risks associated with using non-regulated recreational water facilities include injuries related to thephysical structure, operation of the facility, and waterborne illness risks related to exposure tocontaminated water (e.g., Cryptosporidium).

Note that the design, construction, installation, use, maintenance, repair, service and operation of

some water slides is governed by the Amusement Devices Regulation (O. Reg. 221/01)7

under the

Technical Standards and Safety Act, 20008. Water slide owners/operators should be advised to

contact the Technical Standards and Safety Authority regarding compliance with this regulation(www.tssa.org).

To reduce the risk of injury, illness or death to facility patrons, the owner/operator of a non-regulated recreational water facility should construct, operate, and maintain the facility in a safemanner in accordance with applicable legislation and guidance material, including this document.

To prevent the possibility of the spread of illness through contaminated water, the owner/operatorof a recreational water facility should:

Maintain the recreational water facility in a clean and sanitary state;


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Maintain the water chemistry in a manner that reduces the potential for the spread of acommunicable disease; and

Respond appropriately to adverse incidents that may affect the health of facility users.

3 General Guidance

The following recommendations relate to the general construction and operation of non-regulatedrecreational water facilities and should be considered by public health inspectors when performingan inspection and assessment. Sections 4 and 5 of this document provide specific information forconsideration when inspecting and assessing public wading pools, spray pads/splash pads andwater slide receiving basins.

3.1 Structural Design

All non-regulated recreational water facilities should be constructed and maintained so as toprevent injury, illness or death:

Natural and/or artificial lighting should be adequate to ensure that all areas within thewater (including the main drain/grates) are clearly visible from a viewing point at or nearthe water edge outside of the water containing structure;

All surfaces are maintained free of potential hazards;

The facility and water is free from visible matter that may be hazardous to the health orsafety of those using the facility;

Patrons can enter and exit the water area safely(i.e., non-slip surfaces and steps, ladders and handrails provided and secure; markingsand adequate lighting);

Surfaces are designed to drain properly to prevent water pooling and reduce the risk of

persons slipping and falling;

All water suction outlets or drains within the water-bearing structure are fitted with anti-entrapment coverings or are anti-entrapment by design, and where appropriate, thesuction systems are equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism or other engineeredsystem;

Where any facility component is powered by electricity, ground fault circuit interruptersare functioning (owners/operators should be advised to contact the Electrical SafetyAuthority regarding compliance with the Electrical Code www.esasafe.com);

Where provided, the water heater temperature can be limited to a maximum of 40degrees Celsius; and

When not open for use, the facility is made inaccessible to unauthorized personnel or thewater is drained.

3.2 Water Quality

A public health inspector should identify the water source and check whether the source is free ofpotential disease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals. Also, check that:


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Water clarity is sufficient to observe the bottom of all areas of the water containingstructure from a viewing point at or near the water edge, including a clear view of themain drain/grates;

Where water flow to drainage is restricted to provide spray/splash pad activity, thedesign of the restriction and basin should be such that the water is not retained for morethan 15 minutes unless provided with additional disinfection treatment;

Where the water is not re-circulated and held in a basin for more than 15 minutes, it istreated and discharged directly to waste within a minimum of 4 hours;

Where water is re-circulated, the water is both filtered and disinfected in a manner thatwould prevent the potential spread of micro-organisms that may cause illness;

The water within any holding basin is maintained at a sufficient disinfectant residual toprevent the potential spread of micro-organisms that may cause illness;

The water chemistry is maintained in a manner that allows for effective disinfection andcomfort to bathers and the water chemistry is monitored by using an appropriate test kit;

The owner/operator maintains procedures and trains facility staff in responding toemergency incidents (e.g., fouling of water by fecal matter).

3.3 Safety and Emergency Equipment

A public health inspector should check whether the facility is equipped with appropriate safety andemergency equipment to respond to the hazards associated with the use of the facility. Safety andemergency equipment may include a first aid kit, emergency telephone, reaching pole, buoyantthrowing aid, spine board and blanket. This list provides some examples; however, other safetyequipment may be appropriate depending on the facilitys use and complexity.

3.4 SupervisionA public health inspector should check whether the owner/operator provides adequate supervisionto effectively operate and maintain the facility, and supervise user safety.

Note: Supervision for a non-regulated recreational water facility that is located within the sameenclosure or near a Public Pool should not detract from the supervision required for the public pool

under O. Reg. 565 (Public Pools).1


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4 A Guide to the Safe Operation of a Wading Pool

The following information will assist owner/operators of wading pools to carry out theirresponsibilities to ensure the safe use, operation and maintenance of their recreational waterfacility. Additional action should be taken on the part of the owner/operator above and beyond

these recommendations as necessary. Where a health hazard is identified, a public healthinspector may take action to mitigate the health hazard in accordance with section 13 of the

HPPA.6

General Safety Principles

To reduce the risk of injury or illness to wading pool users, especially where young children arepresent, the facility should be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

The wading pool should be supervised at all times when it is open for use either by theowner/operator, pool staff or through parental/guardian supervision of individual users.

When the wading pool is not open for use the owner/operator should ensure that:

All water is removed and the drains remain open to prevent collection of rainwater;and/or

The wading pool is securely enclosed by a fence and locked gate so as to restrictaccess by anyone other than authorized personnel (recommended minimum fenceheight is 1.22 metres (4 feet) or in accordance with local bylaws).

Pre-opening Checks

Prior to opening each day or after a period of non-use (e.g., following lunch/service breaks) theoperator should inspect the following items:

Water is clear and free of visible matter, i.e., all areas within the water (including themain drain/grates) are clearly visible from a viewing point at or near the water edgeoutside of the water containing structure;

Water chemistry is within recommended levels (see Water Treatment);

Water level is appropriate to the pool design;

Pool area and surfaces are in clean and sanitary condition and free from obstacles oritems that may cause injury;

All gratings or drain covers are securely fastened to all pipelines;

Fittings that terminate in the pool are flush with the edges or are free of sharp edges;

Pool equipment such as the filter and chemical treatment systems are operational; and

Where provided, check:

o Operation of vacuum relief mechanism,o Operation of ground fault circuit interrupters,o Function of emergency phone,o Placement of emergency equipment, ando Placement of signage.


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Construction

All wading pools should be designed and constructed in a manner that ensures safety of the users.For specific requirements prior to any construction or alterations, owners/operators should beadvised to contact the local building, municipal bylaw departments, the Electrical Safety Authority(www.esasafe.com) and/or Technical Standards and Safety Authority (www.tssa.org) asapplicable.

The following specifications should be considered when designing and constructing a wading pool:

All water used in the facility comes from a source that is free of potential disease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals or is treated to ensure it is free of potentialdisease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals;

A maximum water depth of 75 centimeters;

A minimum water depth of at least 15 centimeters except for areas with sloped entry (ifless than 15 centimetres in depth, consideration should be given to whether facilityshould be treated as a splash pad);

A bottom slope of less than 8 percent (8 cm down for every 100 cm length);

Handrails where steps are provided;

Non-slip surfaces or treads on the steps;

Steps clearly marked with a band of contrasting colour applied along the entire junctureof the side and top of the edges of each step;

A hard surface apron or deck that surrounds the wading pool that is,

o at least one metre wide,

o sloped to direct water away from the wading pool; and

o covered with a non-slip surface that may be readily cleaned and sanitized; A hose bib and hose for water is available and located to allow the operator to clean the

pool and a 1.8m area immediately surrounding the deck;

A water meter is provided that is capable of recording the volume of make-up water thatis added;

Back-flow prevention devices on water supply lines and drains, where appropriate;

A water recirculation and treatment system that recirculates the water throughout thepool to continuously filter the water and provides for the addition of chemicals tomaintain suitable levels of disinfectant;

Gratings or covers that are securely fastened to all pipelines and fittings that terminatein the pool (suction outlet and drain covers should be secured with corrosion resistantbolts/screws);

All water suction outlets or drains within the water-bearing structure are fitted with anti-entrapment coverings or are anti-entrapment by design, and where appropriate, thesuction systems are equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism or other engineeredsystem;


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Where electricity is used, ground fault circuit interrupters are functioning(owners/operators should be advised to contact the Electrical Safety Authority regardingcompliance with the Electrical Code (www.esasafe.com); and

Where provided, the water heater temperature can be limited to a maximum of 40

degrees Celsius.

Safe Operation

Supervision

Provide supervision whenever the wading pool contains water and is accessible for use.

The wading pool supervisor should be:

At least 14 years of age;

Familiar with the hazards associated with a wading pool;

The holder of a standard level first aid certificate with an issue date that is not morethan three years old;

Be attired so as to be readily identified by the users; and

Be trained in the wading pools operational and emergency procedures (theowner/operator should ensure appropriate training of staff; wading pool attendanttraining is available through water safety associations).

Supervision responsibilities should include:

Determining appropriate use of facility in accordance with the setting, number andcapability of users in the wading pool at any one time, such as,

o use of water play toys/equipment; and

o parental or guardian supervision of individual users (e.g., children aged 6 years orunder, or physically/developmentally challenged persons);

Continuous visual observation of user safety; and

Discontinuing use of the facility when water chemistry is not within recommendedlevels, when clarity is poor, or a health or safety concern is identified, such as,inclement weather, electrical concern, or the water becomes contaminated (e.g., foulingof the pool water).

Safety

A first aid kit containing, at minimum, the requirements under O. Reg. 428/05 (Public Spas)

2

, isavailable in a place conveniently located for emergency use (see Appendix A).

An emergency telephone at the wading pool should be strongly recommended in order to contactemergency services:

The emergency telephone should be clearly identified with a notice.

Notices should also be posted in other parts of the facility to easily identify the locationof the emergency telephone (i.e., at minimum, a notice posted near the entrance to thewading pool and at least one location at the furthest point of the facility).


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Notices may be easily identified by using letters at least 25 millimetres high with at leastfive millimeters stroke width.

Emergency procedures for the wading pool should be in a place conveniently located foremergency use and:

List the names, telephone numbers and addresses of persons who are available forresuscitation, medical aid and fire services; and

List the full name and address of the wading pool location, nearest main intersection,and the emergency telephone number.

Safety tips

The first aid certificate should be a standard level first aid certificate issued by any of the agenciesrecognized by the First Aid Requirement regulation9 under the Workplace Safety and InsuranceAct, 1997.10

Where playground equipment is installed in the wading pool, it should be appropriate for the waterdepth. Wading pool owners/operators should follow the manufacturer standards and contact theCanadian Standards Association regarding compliance with the CAN/CSA-z614 -2008 version ofthe Childrens playspaces and equipment playground safety standards (www.csa.ca).11

The first-aid kit should be equivalent to a first aid kit as described in the Public Spas Regulation

(O .Reg. 428/05).2

If the wading pool facility does not have phone capabilities consideration should be given toproviding an emergency phone, cellular phone or radio device to the person supervising thewading pool.

Training courses for supervisors and operators of recreational water facilities are available throughvarious recreational water safety agencies.

Water treatment

Owners and operators should make sure that the water in the wading pool is treated with chlorine,a chlorine compound or a bromine compound at all times during the daily use.

If using chlorine, maintain a level of free available chlorine equal to or greater than 5milligrams per litre in the pool water at all times.

If using bromine, maintain a level of bromine equal to or greater than 5 milligrams perlitre in the pool water at all times.

Maintain the pH level of the pool water between 7.2 and 7.8.

Where possible, maintain the total alkalinity in the pool water at a minimum of 80milligrams per litre.

If using a cyanuric acid stabilizer*, maintain level of stabilizer below 150 mg/l.*Note, cyanurate stabilizer is not added to a wading pool or to the immediatesurrounding of a wading pool that is partially or totally covered.


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An adequate water quality test kit should be available at the wading pool to accuratelytest the chemical parameters in the wading pool water.

Owner/operator should be trained in proper handling and application of water treatmentchemicals.

Testing frequency

Testing for chlorine, bromine and pH should be done one-half hour prior to wading pool openingand at least once each hour while the wading pool is open for use.

Where the level of disinfectant or pH is controlled by an automatic device, the operation of thedevice should be checked by doing a manual test of the disinfectant or pH in the wading pool atleast once each day.

Where the disinfection level is controlled by an automatic sensing device, the Oxidation ReductionPotential value should be above 700 mV.

Preventing stagnant water in wading pools

If the wading pool is not drained daily, add at least 30 litres of fresh water for each user of the poolthat day.

In addition, consider draining and refilling a wading pool that holds less than 4000 litres inaccordance with the following formula,

Total number of litres of water in the wading pool----------------------------------------------------------------- = number of days to drain and refill

Total number of users daily, multiplied by 10

Example 3400 litres--------------- = drain and refill every 17 days

20 user/day x 10 200

Handling of chemicals

Store chemicals so that they are only accessible to the operator.

Safety tips

When using chemicals, always add the chemical to the water.

Vacate the wading pool of users before adding chemicals and prevent entry into the water until thechemicals are safely dissolved.

Persons responsible for handling chemicals should be appropriately trained in the safe storage andhandling of chemicals.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for handling of chemicals (refer to OccupationalHealth and Safety Actrequirements).12


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Useful Tools

Maintain a log book

Every operator should maintain and sign daily records to document:

The free available chlorine and total chlorine residuals, or where bromine compound isused, the total bromine residuals;

The pH values;

Results of the daily manual test to verify proper operation of any automatic sensingdevice (disinfectant and pH);

The time of day the emergency phone was tested (where a phone is available);

The total number of wading pool users admitted to the pool each day;

Where cyanurate stabilization is used, record the concentration of cyanuric acid;

The amount of make-up water added;

Where provided, results of the inspection of the vacuum relief mechanism;

Where provided, note if ground fault circuit interrupter(s) functional;

Any wading pool fouling, including time and details of draining, cleaning and refilling;

Any emergencies, rescues, or breakdowns of equipment that have occurred; and

The daily record should be retained for a minimum of one year.

Use of notices

Owners/operators should consider posting signs that set out health and safety rules for wadingpool users. A sample sign is set out below. For the safety of their patrons, owners/operators may

include other rules that may be appropriate for a particular facility.

WADING POOL RULES

Parents or guardians should be with within arms reach of their child(ren) at all timeswhen the child(ren) are in the wading pool.

Children should be appropriately attired for their age and continence ability to preventfouling of the pool (e.g., swim diapers recommended).

No glass container, food, or beverage is allowed in the wading pool or in the areaimmediately surrounding the wading pool.

Recreational water is not intended for drinking. Do not enter the wading pool if you have an open sore or rash, or are experiencing

nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

No person shall pollute the water in the wading pool in any manner or on the areaimmediately surrounding the wading pool.

No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the wading pool.


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Response to fouling of a wading pool

If the pool has been contaminated due to a bowel movement, vomiting, or gross fouling,

Ensure all users leave the wading pool;

Drain the wading pool;

Clean and disinfect the wading pool and any equipment used;

Refill the wading pool;

Adjust the disinfectant level and pH; and

Check that the water is clear and chemistry is within recommended levels prior toreopening the wading pool.

Safety tip

Obtain a current copy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document Fecal IncidentResponse Recommendations for Pool Staff13 from:http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/Fecal_Incident_Response_Recommendations_for_Pool_Staff.pdf

Where washroom facilities are available, operators may wish to identify the location of the washrooms.


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5 A Guide to Safe Operation of Spray Pad/Splash Pads

The following information will assist owner/operators of spray/splash pads, to carry out theirresponsibilities of ensuring the safe use, operation and maintenance of recreational water facilities.Additional action should be taken on the part of the owner/operator above and beyond these

recommendations as necessary. Where a health hazard is identified, a public health inspector maytake action to mitigate the health hazard in accordance with section 13 of the HPPA.

6

General Safety Principle

To reduce the risk of injury, illness or death to spray pad/splash pad users, especially where youngchildren are present, the facility should be operated and maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.

Pre-opening Checks

Prior to opening each day or after a period of non-use, the operator should inspect the followingitems:

Spray/splash pad area is clean and free from obstacles or items that may cause injury,illness or death;

Water chemistry is adequate and treatment and recirculation equipment are operational,where applicable;

All gratings or drain covers are securely fastened to all pipelines and fittings thatterminate in the spray/splash pad;

Fittings that terminate in the pool are flush with the edges or are free of sharp edges;and

All ground fault interrupters are operational, where provided.

Construction

All spray/splash pads should be designed and constructed in a manner that ensures safety of theusers. For specific requirements regarding construction details, prior to any construction oralterations, owners/operators should be advised to contact the local municipal building bylawdepartment(s), the Electrical Safety Authority (www.esasafe.com) and/or Technical Standards andSafety Authority (www.tssa.org) as applicable.

The following specifications should be considered when designing and constructing a spraypad/splash pad:

Play surfaces and equipment designed and maintained so as to prevent injury;

No play surface should slope more than 8 percent (8 cm down for every 100 cm length);

Play surfaces are non-slip and of a material that would reduce the risk of falls;

Spray pad/splash pad surfaces slope to drain;

Perimeter of pad is designed to prevent water entering from the surrounding area;

Spray pad/splash pad drains so as to exclude the possibility of stagnant water;


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Where water is allowed to be retained for a short period of time, the depth of theretained water basin should not exceed 15 centimetres;

Surfaces can be readily cleaned and sanitized;

Back-flow preventers on water supply lines;

Gratings or covers are securely fastened to all pipelines and fittings that terminate in thepool (suction outlet and drain covers should be secured with corrosion resistantbolts/screws);

All water suction outlets or drains within the water-bearing structure are fitted with anti-entrapment coverings or are anti-entrapment by design, and where appropriate, thesuction systems are equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism or another engineeredsystem; and

Where electricity is used, ground fault circuit interrupters are functioning(owners/operators should be advised to contact the Electrical Safety Authority regardingcompliance with the Electrical Code www.esasafe.com).

Specific construction considerations regarding fresh or re-circulated water include:

All water used in the facility comes from a source that is free of potential disease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals or is treated prior to being circulated to ensureit is free of potential disease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals;

If recirculation is provided, the water leaving the spray/splash pad should pass throughthe following treatment steps:

1. Filter;

2. Chemically disinfect with either chlorine or bromine;

3. Retain in a storage tank for an appropriate period of time to allow effectivedisinfection to occur; and

4. Treat with ultraviolet light (UV) capable of rendering cysts and oocysts inactivebefore water enters the spray/splash pads. This step is considered the primarydisinfection activity to ensure recreational water is free of microorganisms.

Note, turbidity monitoring and control should be in place to ensure that the ultraviolet treatment device is effective. Ultra violet treatment units should have amechanism in place to prevent water from being directed to the spray pad/splashpad in the event of equipment malfunction.

Safety tip Where playground equipment is installed in the spray/splash pad, it should be appropriate for the

water depth. Spray/splash pad owners/operators should follow the manufacturer standards andcontact the Canadian Standards Association regarding compliance with the CAN/CSA-z614- 2008version of the Childrens Playspaces and Equipmentplayground safety standards (www.csa.ca).11


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Safe Operation

Supervision

Provide sufficient supervision of the facility for the purposes of ensuring safe use and response toadverse events.

Use of the spray/splash pad should be discontinued when there is contamination of the water or ahealth or safety concern is identified.

Safety tips Facility staff should be encouraged to obtain first aid certificates and provide for emergency use, a first

aid kit containing, at a minimum, the requirements under the under O. Reg. 428/05 (Public Spas)2, (seeAppendix A).

If the spray/splash pad facility does not have phone capabilities, it is recommended that the personsupervising the spray/splash pad have an emergency phone, cellular phone or radio device to obtainemergency assistance.

Prevent spray/splash pad water from becoming stagnant

For non-recirculating systems, drain and disinfect the spray/splash pad surface betweendaily uses.

If recirculation is provided, it should be maintained with adequate disinfectant 24 hoursper day unless the water is drained; and

Continually refresh the water by discharging 15% of the water directly to waste andadding 15% fresh water whenever water is being circulated to the spray/splash pad.

Chemical handling

Store chemicals so that they are only accessible to the operator.

Safety tips

When using chemicals to clean and disinfect, always add the chemical to the water.

Vacate the spay/splash pad of users before adding chemicals and prevent entry into the water untilthe chemicals are safely dissolved.

Persons responsible for handling chemicals should be appropriately trained in the safe storage and

handling of the chemicals and the operation of the spray/splash pad. Provide appropriate safety clothing or equipment for handling any chemicals (refer to Occupational

Health and Safety Actrequirements).12


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Water treatment

The water used in a spray/splash pad should be obtained from a source that is free of potentialdisease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals or be treated to ensure it is free of potentialdisease-causing organisms or harmful chemicals, and,

Be used once and drained away from the play area, OR

Be provided with appropriate filtration and disinfection (see Specific constructionconsiderations regarding fresh or re-circulated water on page 15above).

Testing frequency

To ensure that the filtration and disinfection treatment systems are operating in accordance withtheir design, the system should be checked daily one-half hour prior to opening and every twohours during operation.

Where the level of disinfectant or pH is controlled by an automatic device, the operation of thedevice should be checked by doing a manual test of the disinfectant or pH in the water at leastonce a day.

Where the disinfection level is controlled by an automatic sensing device, the Oxidation ReductionPotential value should be above 700 mV.

Useful Tools

Maintain a log book

It is recommended that the operator keep daily records of the following:

Filtration, disinfection and addition of fresh water;

Total number of users each day;

Emergencies, rescues, or breakdowns of equipment that have occurred; and

The daily record should be retained for a minimum of one year.

Use of Notices

Owners/operators should consider posting signs that set out health and safety rules for spraypad/splash pad users (sample notice is set out below). For the safety of their patrons,owners/operators may include other rules that may be appropriate for a particular facility (e.g.,operator may wish to provide their contact number if the facility requires attention).

SPRAY/SPLASH PAD POOL RULES

Parents or guardians are to supervise their child(ren) at all times when the children areusing the spray pad/splash pad.

Children should be appropriately attired for their age and continence ability to preventfouling of the spray pad/splash pad (e.g., swim diapers recommended).


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No glass container, food, or beverage is allowed on the spray pad/splash pad or in thearea immediately surrounding the spray pad/splash pad.

Recreational water is not intended for drinking.

Do not use the spray/splash pad if you have an open sore or rash, or are experiencing

nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

No person shall pollute the water or surface of the spray pad/splash pad in any manneror on the immediate area surrounding the spray pad/splash pad.

No person shall engage in boisterous play in or about the spray pad/splash pad.

Responding to fouling of spray pad/splash pads

If the spray/splash pad has been contaminated due to fouling,

Ensure users leave the spray pad/splash pad;

Drain the spray pad/splash pad and the recirculation system;

Clean and disinfect the spray pad/splash pad and any equipment used in accordancewith the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Fecal Incident ResponseRecommendations for Pool Staff13; and

Ensure proper operation of the spray pad/splash pad prior to reopening.

Safety tip

Obtain a copy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention document Fecal Incident ResponseRecommendations for Pool Staff from:http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/Fecal_Incident_Response_Recommendations_for_Pool_Staf

f.pdf


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Appendix A First Aid Kits

Section 16 of Ontario Regulation 428/05 (Public Spas)2

outlines first aid requirements for a Public

Spa which are based on minimum requirements of the First Aid Requirementregulation (R.R.O.

1990, Reg. 1101)9, under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act , 199. , R.R.O. 1990.

10For the

purposes of applying the first aid requirements to non-regulated recreational water facilities, the

following contents are recommended:

First Aid Kit

(a) a current copy of a standard First Aid Manual;

(b) 12 safety pins;

(c) 24 adhesive dressings, individually wrapped;

(d) 12 sterile gauze pads, each 75 millimetres square;

(e) four rolls of 50 millimetre gauze bandage;(f) four rolls of 100 millimetre gauze bandage;

(g) four sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings, individually wrapped;

(h) six triangular bandages;

(i) two rolls of splint padding;

(j) one roll-up splint;

(k) one pair of scissors;

(l) two pairs of non-permeable gloves; and

(m) one resuscitation pocket mask.


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Page 18 of 19

Appendix B References/Resources

References

1. Public Pools, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 565. Retrieved January 14, 2010 from: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900565_e.htm

2. Public Spas, O.Reg. 428/05. Rertieved January 14, 2010 from:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_050428_e.htm

3. Ontario.Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Recreational water protocol, 2008 (or ascurrent). Toronto, ON: Queens Printer for Ontario; 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from:http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/pubhealth/oph_standards/ophs/progstds/protocols/recreational_water.pdf

4. Ontario. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Division. Ontario publichealth standards 2008. Toronto: Queens Printer for Ontario; 2008. Retrieved February 3,2010 from:http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/pubhealth/oph_standards/ophs/progstds/pdfs/ophs_2008.pdf

5. Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7. Retrieved February 3, 2010from: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h07_e.htm

6. Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7, s.13. Retrieved February 3, 2010from: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h07_e.htm#BK16

7. Amusement Devices, O. Reg. 221/01. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_010221_e.htm

8. Technical Standards and Safety Act, S.O. 2000, c.16. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_00t16_e.htm

9. First Aid Requirement, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101. Retrieved February 4, 2010 from:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_901101_e.htm

10. Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, S.O. 1997, c.16, Sched. A. retrieved February 4,2010 from: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_97w16_e.htm

11. Canadian Standards Association. CAN/CSA-Z614-2007 - Children's playspaces andequipment. Update 2. Mississauga, ON: Canadian Standards Association; 2008.

12. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.1. Retrieved February 10, 2010from:http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o01_e.htm

13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Fecal incident response recommendations forpool staff. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008. Retrieved


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Page 19 of 19

February 17, 2010 from:http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/pdf/Fecal_Incident_Response_Recommendations_for

_Pool_Staff.pdf

Other Resources:

1. Building Code, O. Reg. 350/06. Retrieved February 11, 2010 from: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_060350_e.htm

2. NSW Health Department. Protocol for minimizing the risk of Cryptosporidium contaminationin public swimming pools and spa pools. Gladesville, NSW, Australia: New South WalesHealth Department for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales;1999. Retrieved February 11, 2009 from:http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Business/documents/Health/CryptoPoolsProtocol.pdf

operation procedures for non regulated

Documents